Systems and methods for rising stem ball valves

ABSTRACT

A ball valve system includes a body having an upstream end and a downstream end and a ball within the body between the upstream end and the downstream end, the ball being rotatable about a vertical axis to move between a closed position and an open position. The ball valve assembly includes a stem movable in an actuation direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis, the stem including a recess at a proximal portion of the stem, a guiding member extending within the recess of the stem, the guiding member being configured to prevent rotation of the stem or cause rotation of the stem, and a lubrication port in fluid communication with the recess.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefits of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/925,643, filed on Oct. 24, 2019, the entirety ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to valves and valvesystems. In particular, aspects of the present disclosure relate tomethods and systems for ball valve assemblies, such as ball valveassemblies that include a vertically-movable stem.

BACKGROUND

Valve devices, such as ball valve assemblies, are useful for fluidhandling in, for example, the oil and gas, power, chemical, water works,waste water, and manufacturing industries. Ball valves assemblies areuseful to selectively permit or block the flow of large volumes offluid. Ball valves are robust systems that operate in harsh environmentsand under severe conditions. In order to perform in under thesecircumstances, valve systems include components that are resistant todebris, corrosion, and wear. Additionally, components are regularlyinspected and maintained to ensure continued operation of the valve.Even when inspections and maintenance are performed with sufficientfrequency, wear occurs on moving parts that are difficult or impossibleto access while the valve is in service. For example, valve seats canexperience significant wear caused by repeated movement associated withopening and closing of the valve. Additionally, components for actuatinga ball of the ball valve assembly may experience undesirable rotation,vibration, and wear.

SUMMARY

According to certain embodiments, systems and methods are disclosed fora rising stem ball valve assembly for fluid handling.

In one aspect, a ball valve system may include a body having an upstreamend and a downstream end and a ball within the body between the upstreamend and the downstream end, the ball being rotatable about a verticalaxis to move between a closed position and an open position. The ballvalve assembly may include a stem movable in an actuation directionsubstantially parallel to the vertical axis, the stem including a recessat a proximal portion of the stem, a guiding member extending within therecess of the stem, the guiding member being configured to preventrotation of the stem or cause rotation of the stem, and a lubricationport in fluid communication with the recess.

In another aspect, a valve system may include a body having an upstreamend and a downstream end, a ball provided between the upstream end andthe downstream end, the ball being rotatable about avertically-extending axis of rotation to move between a closed positionand an open position, and a vertically-translateable stem. The valvesystem may also include a valve seat retainer secured to the body and aseat ring secured to the valve seat retainer and including a portionconfigured to contact a surface of the ball, the valve seat ring beingremovable from the valve seat retainer.

In yet another aspect, a method of assembling a ball valve system mayinclude securing a ball within a body, the body including an upstreamend and a downstream end and inserting a vertically-translateable stemwithin the ball, the stem including a proximal recess and a distalrecess. The method may also include forming a lubrication channel in theball valve assembly, the lubrication channel being positioned to supplylubricant to the proximal recess, and inserting a removable valve seatring within a valve seat retainer, the valve seat ring being configuredto receive and contact a portion of the ball with a seat insert.

In one aspect, a ball valve assembly may include a body having anupstream end and a downstream end, a ball provided between the upstreamend and the downstream end, the ball being rotatable about an axis ofrotation to move between a closed position and an open position, and astem movable in a direction substantially parallel to the axis ofrotation, the stem including a recess. The ball valve assembly may alsoinclude a pin within the recess of the stem configured to limit rotationof the stem and a lubricant port in fluid communication with the recess.

In another aspect, a ball valve assembly may include a body having anupstream end and a downstream end and a ball provided between theupstream end and the downstream end, the ball being rotatable about anaxis of rotation to move between a closed position and an open position.The ball valve assembly may also include a valve seat secured to thebody and a lubricant port in fluid communication with the recess.

In another aspect, a ball valve assembly may include a body having anupstream end and a downstream end, a ball provided between the upstreamend and the downstream end, the ball being rotatable about an axis ofrotation to move between a closed position and an open position, and astem extending within the body and movable in a direction substantiallyparallel to the axis of rotation to open and close the ball valveassembly, wherein the stem includes a twist portion.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of thedisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rising stem ball valve system,according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the rising stem ball valve system of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rising ball valve system of FIG.1 along line III-Ill of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV of FIG. 2 ,illustrating features of a rising stem ball valve system according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a valve seat retainer and valve seatring of the rising stem ball valve system of FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are detailed views of a distal portion of a stem of therising stem ball valve system;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stem formed without a distal twistportion according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the stem of FIG. 7 ;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are front and side views of the stem of FIG. 7 ; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rising stem ball valve system withthe stem of FIG. 7 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Both the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the features, as claimed. As used herein, the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “having,” including,” or other variations thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method,article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not includeonly those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listedor inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Moreover,in this disclosure, relative terms, such as, for example, “about,”“substantially,” “generally,” and “approximately” are used to indicate apossible variation of ±10% in the stated value.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective and top views, respectively, of a ballvalve assembly or ball valve system 10, according to aspects of thepresent disclosure. In some aspects, ball valve system 10 may be arising stem ball system. Ball valve system 10 may include a body 12extending from an upstream end 110 to a downstream end 120. Annularflanges or ports 130, formed at upstream and downstream ends 110 and120, may be sized and shaped for connection to upstream and downstreampipeline components, and may include a series of bolt holes to allowports 130 to facilitate leak-free connections to these components.

A bonnet 14 may be secured to a top surface of body 12. A stem 16 mayextend through bonnet 14 and within body 12. Stem 16 may be secured toan actuation device 18 at a proximal portion of ball valve system 10 tofacilitate actuation of ball valve system 10. Bonnet 14 may be securedto body 12 by a series of fasteners 80, such as threaded bolts or studs,and fixing members 82, such as nuts.

Body 12 may be formed of any suitable corrosion-resistant material, suchas a metal material. In particular, body 12 may be formed by carbonsteel, for example. Bonnet 14, like body 12, may be formed by a metalmaterial, such as carbon steel. Stem 16 may be formed of metal, such asstainless steel, and, in particular, 17-4 stainless steel.

A gland 50 included in bonnet 14 may facilitate leak-free operation ofstem 16. Gland 50 may include, for example, packing for preventingleaks, as well as retaining features for securing this packing adjacentto stem 16, as described below. As best shown in FIG. 1 , a proximalportion of stem 16 above gland 50 may be connected to an actuationdevice 18 such as a hand-wheel or a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.Actuation of device 18 may be configured to move stem 16 in an actuationdirection (e.g., raise or lower stem 16), without causing rotation ofstem 16.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the ball valve system 10 of FIG. 1 . Bonnet 14of valve system 10 may support and secure stem 16 therein. An uppersurface 104 of bonnet 14 forming a flange may project proximally awayfrom body 12 toward a proximal end of stem 16. A packing injectionfitting 59 (FIG. 3 ) may be provided on bonnet 14 to facilitateinsertion of packing material. Upper surface 104 and stem 16 may beprovided at a central portion of valve system 10 between upstream end110 and downstream end 120.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of ball valve system 10 along lineIII-Ill of FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the proximal end of stem 16 maybe positioned within a stem protector 22 that extends above actuationdevice 18. A distal end 20 of stem 16 may be positioned within body 12.An indicator 21 may be secured to the proximal end of stem 16 so as toextend through a top surface of stem protector 22 and indicate a stateof ball valve system 10. A stem nut 24 fixed to actuation device 18 maysurround a threaded portion of stem 16. Stem nut 24 may include aninternally-threaded interior positioned on matching threading of stem 16such that rotation of nut 24 due to movement of actuation device 18causes stem 16 to rise and fall.

A thrust bearing assembly having proximal 26 and distal 28 portions maybe provided within a retainer 32. This thrust bearing assembly may beconfigured to prevent translation of stem nut 24, while allowing stemnut 24 to rotate. Thus, rotation of stem nut 24 may cause stem 16 totranslate upward or downward in an actuation direction aligned with axisX, for example. This translation of stem 16 may occur without rotationof stem 16, due at least in part to the containment of stem nut 24 by aproximal end of bonnet 14, a recess 36, and a guide member 34. However,in some aspects, ball valve system 10 may include a rotatable stem, asdescribed below with respect to FIGS. 7-10 .

A longitudinally-extending recess 36 may be formed in a proximal portionof stem 16. If desired, recess 36 may provide resistance to rotation ofstem 16. As shown in FIG. 3 , recess 36 may be shaped to receive one ormore anti-rotation pins or guiding members 34. Recess 36 may extendlinearly (e.g., without bends or turns) along axis X(proximal-to-distal). Thus, when stem 16 moves vertically (proximally ordistally) recess 36 may slide along guiding members 34.

A gland 50 of ball valve system 10 may include components positioneddistally with respect to guiding members 34 and recess 36. Gland 50 mayinclude a gland flange 52 formed integrally with a gland ring 54 securedwithin bonnet 14. As shown in FIG. 3 , a stem seal 56 may be sandwichedbetween gland ring 54 and a gland bushing 58. Stem seal 56 may includean injected packing introduced to an interior of bonnet 14 via one ormore packing fittings 59. Once positioned, stem seal 56 may beconfigured to seal and prevent fluid communication between the interfaceof stem 16 and bonnet 14. An interface between body 12 and bonnet 14below gland 50 may be sealed against leaks by a gasket 60. If desired,stem seal 56 may be formed by a braided or unbraided packing materialplaced without use of fittings 59, such as a flexible graphite (e.g.,GRAFOIL®) rope.

A distal end portion of stem 16 may include a twist portion 90 thatextends through an opening of a ball 64. Twist portion 90 may bepositioned distally with respect to the components of gland 50. Twistportion 90 may be configured to interact with one or more positioningmembers 62, such as pins, to bring ball 64 into rotation and open orclose ball valve system 10. For example, twist portion 90 may beconfigured to slide with respect to positioning members 62, withoutrotating.

Positioning members 62 may positioned on diametrically opposite sides oftwist portion 90 so as to facilitate rotation of ball 64 with respect toa vertical axis, such as axis X. For example, twist portion 90 mayinclude one or more guiding surfaces configured to press upon and rotatepositioning members 62, as described below. Each positioning member 62may be rotatable about a vertically-extending axis parallel to axis X inFIG. 3 . During this rotation, each positioning member 62 may contactand rotate ball 64, causing members 62 and ball 64 to rotate togetherand open or close valve system 10.

Ball 64 may be rotatable between an open position and a closed positionto respectively permit or block a flow of fluid from upstream end 110 todownstream end 120. In the positon illustrated in FIG. 3 , ball 64closes valve system 10 to block the flow of fluid. Ball 64 may include acentral channel or passage 66 extending therethrough such that, whenball 64 is in the open position, passage 66 extends approximatelyparallel to, or aligned with, a direction extending from upstream end110 to downstream end 120.

Ball 64 may be received by a valve seat assembly formed by a valve seatretainer 70, a seat ring 72, and a seat insert 75, as shown in FIGS. 3and 5 . Valve seat retainer 70 and seat ring 72 may be separably coupledto each other, as described below. One or more seals 84, such as anO-ring, may facilitate the formation of a seal between this valve seatassembly (valve seat retainer 70 and seat ring 72) and body 12.

A bearing 68 may support and facilitate rotation of ball 64. Bearing 68may be formed of a low-friction material configured to allowsubstantially frictionless rotation of ball 64. A removable support 65at a bottom of valve system 10 may facilitate maintenance and/orreplacement of bearing 68. Support 65 may either be formed separately ofbearing 68, as shown in FIG. 3 , or integrally with bearing 68.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a proximal portion of rising stemball valve system 10 with a modified configuration, according to one ormore aspects of the present disclosure. Each of the features of FIG. 4may be used with the features shown in FIG. 3 and/or FIG. 10 , withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, each of thefeatures of FIG. 3 and/or FIG. 10 may be used with the exemplaryconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 4 . FIG. 4 may correspond to across-sectional view of valve system 10 along line IV-IV in FIG. 2 . Asshown in FIG. 4 , ball valve system 10 may include a lubrication systemor assembly 40 to lubricate moving parts for actuating ball 64, such asstem 16 or stem 160, described below. Lubrication assembly 40 may besecured, for example, to bonnet 14. Lubrication assembly 40 may includea lubrication port 42 configured to receive a lubricant, such as grease,and supply lubricant to a location within bonnet 14. For example,lubrication port 42 may include a grease cup.

Lubrication port 42 may be configured to provide lubricant to therecesses 36 of stem 16 by suppling grease, for example, from a greasegun connected to lubrication port 42. This grease or lubricant may besupplied by an internal channel 43, represented by a dashed lineextending through anti-rotation pins or guiding members 34A.

Guiding members 34A may be configured to act as a rotation-preventiondevice, as well as a lubrication supplying device. To prevent rotationof stem 16, guiding members 34A may include pin members that extendwithin recess 36 of stem 16. Guiding members 34A, like pins or guidingmembers 34, may facilitate rotation-free translation of stem 16 incombination with respective linearly-extending recesses 36. In theexemplary configuration shown in FIG. 4 , the proximal portion of stem16 may include a plurality of linearly-extending recesses 36 that eachreceive a respective anti-rotation pin or member 34A. Recesses 36 mayinclude a pair of side walls positioned on opposite sides of each member34A to prevent undesired rotation of stem 16. Alternatively, in at leastsome embodiments of ball valve system 10, guiding members 34A may beconfigured to cause rotation of a stem 160 by cooperating with one ormore angled recesses, as described below.

A gland 50A may include a stem seal 56A positioned between a glandflange 52A and a gland seat 58A. Stem seal 56A may be configured to seala portion of stem 16 distal of recesses 36. Stem seal 56A may be includean injected packing material or another suitable material, as discussedabove with respect to stem seal 56. Gland 50A may facilitate theinjection of packing material, for example, via one or more packingfittings 59 (not shown in FIG. 4 ), as also discussed above. Forexample, stem seal 56A may include an injectable packing material.

One or more of stem 16, anti-rotation pins or guiding members 34, andanti-rotation pins or guiding members 34A may be formed of a materialconfigured to reduce galling. In one aspect, a metal material such as aNitronic alloy may be included in for one or more of stem 16A andguiding members 34 or 34A. An exemplary suitable Nitronic alloy may beNitronic 60. However, other suitable low-friction and galling-resistantmaterials may be used. Use of a galling-resistant material may reduce atransfer of material between stem 16 and members 34 and 34A.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of valve seat retainer 70 seat ring 72, andseat insert 75, which together may form a valve seat assembly forsealing ball valve system 10. Valve seat retainer 70 may be securedwithin body 12 and configured to receive and secure seat ring 72 suchthat ring 72 abuts ball 64 when valve system 10 is closed. Seat ring 72may include a sealing surface (e.g., a chamfered surface) configured tocontact and seal ball 64. If desired, this surface may be included on aseal 75 of seat ring 72. Seat ring 72 may also include one or morerecesses 77 for inserting seals, such as gaskets or O-rings, betweenseat ring 72 and seat retainer 70.

Seat retainer 70 and seat ring 72 may be formed with a twist or rotationlocking mechanism configured to secure seat ring 72 within seat retainer70 to form an integrated seat assembly. For example, seat ring 72 mayinclude one or more protrusions or tabs 74 that are releasably orremovably received by a respective groove or recess 76 in valve seatretainer 70. Seat ring 72 may be separated from valve seat retainer 70and replaced, if necessary, by rotating seat ring 72 with respect toseat retainer 70 (e.g., about a horizontally-extending axis Yperpendicular to axis X), to facilitate inline removal and replacementof seat ring 72. In an exemplary locking mechanism, tabs 74 may beseparately formed at one or more circumferential positions of an outersurface of seat ring 72, so as to protrude radially outward from seatring 72. Recesses 76 may be formed by pockets or grooves extending inportions of valve seat retainer 70.

Recesses 76 may be part of a pathway for guiding tabs 74 such that tabs74 and recesses 76 form a cam mechanism. For example, in order toassemble seat retainer 70 and seat ring 72, seat ring 72 may be advancedaxially, e.g., along direction Y. During this axial movement, tabs 74may travel through axially-extending recesses or channels formed in seatretainer 70 (represented by dashed lines adjacent to tabs 74 in FIG. 5). Once at a predetermined axial depth, seat ring 72 may then be rotatedwith respect to seat retainer 70. This rotation may locate each tab 74within a respective recess 76, as shown in FIG. 5 .

In addition to, or instead of, the above-described configurationincluding tabs 74 and recesses 76 seat retainer 70 and seat ring 72 maybe secured to each other by any other suitable mechanism. While FIG. 5illustrates protrusions or tabs 74 on seat ribs 72 and recesses 76 onvalve seat retainer 70, if desired, the location of tabs 74 and recesses76 may be reversed such that valve seat retainer 70 includesinwardly-protruding tabs 74, and seat ring 72 includes appropriatelyspaced recesses.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are detailed views of twist portion 90 of the distal endof stem 16. Twist portion 90 may be integrally formed in stem 16 suchthat stem 16 and twist portion 90 form a single unitary member. In someconfigurations, stem 16 and twist portion may be monolithically formed.This may be accomplished by machining or otherwise removing material toform twist portion 90 in the distal end of stem 16. Additionally oralternatively, a twisting process may form twist portion 90 on stem 16.As can be seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, twist portion 90 and stem 16 may beformed free of sharp edges or rough surfaces, such as weld fillets. Stem16, including twist portion 90, may be formed of a heat-treated materialthat is resistant to galling. In particular, stem 16, including twistportion 90, may be formed with a metallic material, such as 17-4 HH900stainless steel.

Twist portion 90 may include a pair of diametrically-opposed guidesurfaces 92, each of which traverses approximately 90 degrees along acircumference of stem 16, forming curved portions. Each guide surface 92may include a proximal end 94 extending from a substantially cylindricalportion of stem 16. Guide surfaces 92 may terminate at distal end 20,forming a pair of approximately parallel straight edges at end 20. Awidth of distal end 20 may be reduced between guide surfaces 92.

At least twist portion 90, and if desired, an entirety of stem 16, maybe formed of a hardened material that may reduce wear during movementalong positioning members 62 (FIG. 3 ). Thus, when mechanical inputcauses stem 16 to move upward or downward, the twist portion 90 slideswithin ball 64 such that guide surfaces 92 press upon positioningmembers 62, causing ball 64 to rotate. For example, by moving stem 16from a lowest position (FIG. 3 ) to a highest position, ball 64 mayrotate about 90 degrees, opening the valve system 10.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stem 160 having a distal end portion190 formed without a twist portion. Stem 160 may extend from a narrowedproximal end portion 162 to a distal end 140 that is positioned withinball 64 (FIG. 10 ). Stem 160 may include an angled recess 136 extendingin an enlarged portion of a body of stem 160 between proximal endportion 162 and distal end 140. Angled recess 136 may include a bottomor distal end 138 (FIG. 9B) and at least one turn formed by an angled orcurved path. Recess 136 may cover approximately 90 degrees around acircumference of stem 160, and may cause stem 160 to rotate byapproximately 90 degrees when stem 160 is moved from a lowest positionto a highest position. For example, recess 136 may include a pair ofsidewalls that are shaped to receive and contact protruding portions ofmembers 34 or 34A (FIGS. 3, 4, and 10 ) such that sliding motion ofrecess 136 along members 34 or 34A causes stem 160 to rotate.

Distal end portion 190 may include one or more additional recessedportions formed, for example, by removing material from (e.g., bymachining) stem 160. Distal end portion 190 may include a first guidingsurface 192 and a diametrically-opposed second guiding surface 194, bestshown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. With reference to FIG. 7 , a pair of curvedsurfaces may extend from first guiding surface 192 to second guidingsurface 194.

FIG. 8 is a top view of stem 160, showing a channel or recess 136. WhileFIG. 8 illustrates a configuration where a single recess 136 is formedin stem 160, stem 160 may instead include a plurality of recesses 136.For example, a pair of diametrically-opposed recesses 136 may be formedin stem 160 for use with a pair of corresponding members 34A. Recess 136may be configured to receive lubricating material in the mannerdescribed above with respect to recess 36 and lubrication ports 42 toreduce wear and/or galling.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are front and side views, respectively, of stem 160.Distal end 140 of stem 160 may be formed with a pair of guide surfaces192 and 194 that are both free of turns and shaped to slide along apositioning member 62. A first guide surface 192 may include a narrowedproximal end 195 that gradually broadens in a direction toward distalend 140. Second guide surface 194 may include a broadened proximal end196 that gradually narrows towards distal end 140. Each of the first andsecond guide surfaces 192 and 194 may also include portions extendingfrom distal end 140 that have an approximately constant width, as bestshown in FIGS. 7 and 9A. As shown in FIG. 9B, proximal ends 195 and 196may be formed in planes that are approximately parallel to each other.Distal portions of guide surfaces 192 and 194 may also be formed inapproximately parallel planes (e.g., planes that are parallel to avertical axis).

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of ball valve system 10 including astem 160 having a distal end portion 190 formed without a twist. System10, as shown in FIG. 10 , may also include any of the above-describedfeatures of FIGS. 1-5 , including the above-described valve seatassembly including valve seat retainer 70, seat ring 72, and seat insert75 (FIG. 5 ). Stem 160 may include a proximal end that is configured tobe raised and lowered by actuation device 18. If desired, a portion ofstem 160 including recess 136 and distal end portion 190 may berotatably coupled to a proximal threaded portion, such that portions ofstem 160 located distally of the threaded portion are configured torotate with respect to a threaded portion that moves upward and downwardwithout rotating.

A process of operating rising stem ball valve system 10 may includeoperating actuation device 18. For example, by rotating a handwheel, nut24 may rotate, drawing stem 16 upward or downward. Rotation of stem 16may be restricted by one or more recesses 36, 36A, and guiding members34. Twist portion 90 may advance with respect to positioning members 62such that each positioning member 62 slides along a respective guidesurface 92 formed in twist portion 90. Positioning members 62 may bedriven into rotation by twist portion 90 such that positioning members62 contact ball 64 and rotate ball 64 about a vertical axis (e.g., axisX).

In configurations of rising stem ball valve system 10 that include arotatable stem 160, actuation device 18 may cause stem 160 to rotatewhile being drawn upward or downward, due to a guiding path formed inrecess 136 and extending to a distal end 138. Distal end portion 190 ofstem 160 may translate vertically and move rotationally about axis X, toboth slide along, and rotate, positioning members 62. In particular, therotation of distal end portion 190 may be driven by an interactionbetween one or more guiding members 34 or 34A and angled recess 136, tomove ball 64 between open and closed positions. For example, when stem160 is in a lowest position, ball 64 may close ball valve system 10.When stem 160 is actuated to a highest position, stem 160 and ball 64may rotate by about 90 degrees, fully opening ball valve system 10.

Assembly of rising stem ball valve system 10 may include securing aremovable seat ring 72 adjacent to ball 64. For example, seat ring 72may be inserted via a twist lock mechanism that retains seat ring 72with protrusions or tabs 74. When necessary, maintenance may beperformed on ball valve system 10 by introducing lubricant throughchannels 43 formed in lubrication ports 42. Lubricant may be supplied torecesses 36 of stem 16 or recesses 136 of stem 160, and to guidingmembers 34A, further reducing wear and galling. Maintenance may furtherinclude removing seat ring 72, e.g., by operating the above-describedtwist lock mechanism. This may be performed inline (e.g., withoutremoving valve system 10 from a series of connected pipelinecomponents).

Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A ball valve system, comprising: a body having anupstream end and a downstream end; a ball within the body between theupstream end and the downstream end, the ball being rotatable about avertical axis to move between a closed position and an open position; astem movable so as to translate in an actuation direction substantiallyparallel to the vertical axis, the stem including a linearly-extendingrecess at a proximal portion of the stem; and a guide pin extendingwithin the recess of the stem, the guide pin and the recess beingconfigured to prevent rotation of the stem when the stem moves in theactuation direction without rotating, to actuate the ball, the guide pinhaving a first end that has a first opening and a second end, oppositeto the first end, that has a second opening, wherein the first andsecond openings are in fluid communication with each other and thesecond end is in fluid communication with the recess so as to form alubrication port.
 22. The ball valve system of claim 21, wherein therecess extends linearly along the stem in a direction substantiallyparallel to the vertical axis.
 23. The ball valve system of claim 21,wherein the lubrication port includes a passage that extends through theguide pin, the passage being configured to supply lubricating fluid tothe recess.
 24. The ball valve system of claim 21, wherein the guide pinis formed of a galling-resistant material.
 25. The ball valve system ofclaim 21, further including a guiding surface formed on a distal endportion of the stem, the guiding surface contacting a movablepositioning pin.
 26. The ball valve system of claim 25, wherein themovable positioning pin is positioned in the ball so as to rotate withthe ball when the stem moves along the actuation direction.
 27. The ballvalve system of claim 26, wherein the guiding surface includes a guidingrecess machined into the stem.
 28. The ball valve system of claim 26,wherein the distal end portion of the stem includes a heat-treatedstainless steel material.
 29. The ball valve system of claim 21, furtherincluding: a valve seat retainer secured to the body; and a valve seatring fixed to the valve seat retainer and configured to contact asurface of the ball.
 30. A valve system, comprising: a body having anupstream end and a downstream end; a ball provided between the upstreamend and the downstream end, the ball being rotatable about avertically-extending axis of rotation to move between a closed positionand an open position; a vertically-translateable stem including a pairof opposed guide surfaces at a distal portion of the stem that eachextend about 90 degrees along a circumference of the stem; a pinconfigured to rotate the ball, wherein the pin is rotatable with theball, in contact with the ball, and in contact with one guide surface ofthe pair of opposed guide surface, so as to rotate the ball withoutrotating the stem; a valve seat retainer secured to the body; and avalve seat ring secured to the valve seat retainer with a mechanism thatincludes one or more protrusions that are removeably received by one ormore axially-extending recesses, and including a portion configured tocontact a surface of the ball, the valve seat ring being removable fromthe valve seat retainer.
 31. The valve system of claim 30, wherein theseat ring is rotatable with respect to the valve seat retainer about ahorizontally-extending axis.
 32. The valve system of claim 30, whereinthe seat ring includes the one or more protrusions, the one or moreprotrusions each being received with a recess of the valve seatretainer.
 33. The valve system of claim 32, wherein the one or moreprotrusions are releasable by rotating the valve seat ring with respectto the valve seat retainer.
 34. The valve system of claim 30, whereinthe stem includes a machined distal end portion including a guidesurface extending approximately 90 degrees circumferentially along asurface of the stem.
 35. A ball valve system, comprising: a body havingan upstream end and a downstream end; a ball within the body between theupstream end and the downstream end, the ball being rotatable about avertical axis to move between a closed position and an open position; astem movable in an actuation direction substantially parallel to thevertical axis, the stem including a recess at a proximal portion of thestem; and a guide pin extending within the recess of the stem, whereinthe guide pin forms a lubrication port to supply lubrication to thestem.
 36. The ball valve system of claim 35, wherein the recess in thestem and the guide pin are configured to prevent rotation of the stem.37. The ball valve system of claim 35, further including a pinconfigured to rotate with the ball, the pin being in contact with aguide surface formed in a distal end of the stem.
 38. The ball valvesystem of claim 37, wherein the recess extends vertically and the guidesurface forms a curved portion of the stem.
 39. The ball valve system ofclaim 38, wherein the guide surface is a first guide surface of a pairof diametrically-opposed guide surfaces at the distal end of the stem.40. The ball valve system of claim 39, wherein the pin is a first pin ofa pair of pins are configured to respectively contact the guide surface.